Memphis Delays Data Center Moratorium Vote

Memphis City Council postponed action on its proposed data-center moratorium after a vote delay prompted angry protests and a chaotic confrontation; a work session is set for Oct. 8, with a further vote planned later. The proposed pause would give the city time to develop rules for facilities including Elon Musk-linked Colossus sites, whose energy and water demands and use of methane gas turbines have raised concerns. Loveland and Berthoud have approved temporary moratoriums, Mesa County approved a one-year pause in unincorporated areas, and Beaufort County is considering one; Indio is considering extending its pause while it drafts rules. Hubbard residents will vote on whether to ban data centers, while Loudoun County supervisors are debating whether 23 projects already in development should lose an exemption from newer review requirements. Across the country, communities are weighing data centers’ economic potential against concerns about electricity and water use, costs, noise, emissions, air quality and impacts on nearby and marginalized communities. The conservative group Humans First has completed an 8,000-mile campaign calling for community input and stronger safeguards.